Trades galore and major early focus in Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft
By Dean Jones
833. Scouting Report. KENTUCKY. DARIANKINNARD. player. Pick Analysis. OT. 28
Carolina Panthers pick No. 28: Darian Kinnard – OL (Kentucky)
It is already apparent that the Carolina Panthers need to make the offensive line their primary focus in 2022. This group has failed to deliver more often than not this season, especially when it comes to pass protection in crucial moments.
The Panthers have gotten away with it so far against inferior opposition. But that won’t be the case as the campaign progresses and certainly not if the team wants to become a realistic Super Bowl challenger in the near future.
Someone like Darian Kinnard is a prospect for Carolina to monitor. He is a brute force at the line of scrimmage that can operate in multiple spots, which is obviously a real factor in the Panthers’ recruitment process.
Just where the Kentucky star figures to play in the pros is unclear. Kinnard was due to switch over to left tackle before Dare Rosenthal transferred from LSU, but his frame could be best suited to an interior role at the next level.
John Miller is out of contract and Pat Elflein just doesn’t seem up to the task. Just what the Panthers are going to do with Brady Christensen and Deonte Brown is dependent on their development, but the fact they’ve not been involved much could indicate a work-in-progress approach.